Sebastian Vettel has urged Formula 1 to be cautious and not risk losing “the DNA of the sport” after the early-season action was met with widespread criticism.

The on-track product of the all-new F1 regulations has been met with a largely negative reaction from drivers, and a mixed reaction by fans, despite the increased levels of overtaking on display.

In a bid to improve the recipe ahead of the Miami Grand Prix at the start of May, the F1 Commission – comprising of the FIA, F1, and the 11 teams – has pushed through a number of changes to improve safety, reduce superclipping, and allow for increased flat-out driving.

Speaking to Swedish outlet SVT, Vettel said: “I’ve seen it [the changes] briefly.

“I hope from a sporting point of view, that’s what they’re trying to address and it makes the drivers happier, because ultimately, the drivers are the face of the sport and if they come out of the car and are full of adrenaline and are excited, it’s what makes people excited on the screens and in the stands as well.”

During his time in F1, four-time champion Vettel was not afraid to voice his opinion during moments of controversy or concern.

He added: “On the sporting side, I hear and I echo the criticism, because the cars are probably fun to drive but it’s probably not so much fun to race because of the regulations and the difficulties that come with that.

“So I sympathise with the drivers, and it is very critical not to lose the heart and the DNA of the sport, which is finding the fastest driver in the fastest machine to win the race.”

The German, who retired at the end of the 2022 season, was in Stockholm to collect the Perfect World Foundation Award for 2026 for “for using his global voice to highlight urgent environmental and biodiversity challenges”, and is set to run the London Marathon on Sunday, in aid of the Brain and Spine Foundation, and the Grand Prix Trust.